We have now received all nominations for stewards and branch officers so thank you to everyone who has offered their time to help us and their colleagues over the next year, your support is greatly appreciated. We have had many people volunteering to be stewards but always welcome more and ideally we need 1 in every workplace/team so if you fancy it you can volunteer at any time in the year. We will train and support you in the role.

Unfortunately, Bernie Miley our Women’s Officer is unable to continue in the role next year which is a great shame as she has done a great job, thank you Bernie. So, if anyone would like to take this on please let us know and Bernie has kindly offered to talk through the role and explain what’s involved. This is a really important role as our branch membership is 80% female. Bernie has asked for me to mention the Women’s march, see below. https://www.facebook.com/events/2246317655613669/?ti=icl

Next week we have 2 consultation events where we would like to speak to as many social workers as possible, members and non-members to gather your views prior to meeting the commissioner later this month. So please do pop in if you can.

This morning one of our branch employees Emmanuelle Adidi attended a demonstration in Wellingborough in support of the rights of EU nationals who live, work, vote and pay their taxes in this country. Emmanuelle is a French national who has been living and working here for 30 years so this issue directly affects her as well as a large number of our members.

Earlier this week we held the County Forum at our office where we met with officers from the other 7 local government branches and regional officers. The main topic was the abolition of the current boroughs and county council and the upcoming change to unitary status with 2 councils, which will mean a change in Unison’s structure too. We will all be working closely together to ensure all staff have a smooth transition into this.

If any of your colleagues who are members are not receiving this please ask them to contact us at the branch with an up to date email address?